Where is the flood risk in Fresno County and how can I prepare? Follow these tips
As rain returns to the Fresno area, local, state and federal agencies are sharing information about flood risks and how to stay prepared.
The California Department of Water Resources recently observed Flood Preparedness Week.
Flood season in California typically begins in November and lasts until April, the state Department of Water Services said, but a flood can happen at any time.
Fresno County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, which recognizes communities that go above and beyond the minimum requirements for floodplain management.
That means Fresno County residents living “within and near special flood hazard areas” can get discounts on their annual flood insurance premiums, the county Department of Public Works and Planning said on its website.
Where are flood risks in Fresno County?
Areas at risk of flooding in Fresno County include spots near the Fresno Slough and the Kings and San Joaquin rivers, according to a map created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
To see if you live in a flood-risk area, you can type in your address into FEMA’s flood map service center.
How can I prepare for a flood in Fresno County?
According to the California Department of Water Resources, you can prepare for flooding by following these three steps:
- Be aware: Check to see if your home is in a flood zone and stay updated on weather alerts.
- Be prepared: Have a flood evacuation plan ready with a prepared emergency evacuation kit and copies of your important documents.
- Take action: Evacuate when you are advised to.
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so the department recommends purchasing flood insurance.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services also had some tips for preparing for potential floods:
- Sign up for emergency alerts, pay attention to local emergency response messaging and heed evacuation notifications immediately.
- Monitor incoming storms, especially if you live in burned areas or downstream/downslope of a burn scar.
- Move valuable items to higher floors of your home.
- Make sure you have non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.
- Have an evacuation plan in place for you, your family and your pets.
- Have a battery-powered AM/FM weather radio and a cell phone to listen for emergency updates and weather forecasts.
- Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing flood insurance.
- Have a full tank of gas or keep your car fully charged and carry an emergency pack that includes a blanket, water and food.
Download the California Department of Transportation’s QuickMap app or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for road information.
What should I do if there’s flooding?
In the event of a flood, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said, residents should:
- Don’t wait and see; leave immediately.
- Have your go-bag with important documents, cash, medications, food, water, clothing and pet supplies packed and ready.
- Never walk or drive through flood waters.
- Watch for mudslides and debris flows.
- Shelter in place if local authorities may indicate it is safer for you to do so.
- Do not walk through moving water.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flood, debris flow or into flooded areas.
- Be prepared for a potential power outage by gathering flashlights and charging devices early.
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